One-In-Three Households Too Lazy To Switch Utilities Suppliers

Since the birth of the internet, shopping around for the best energy deals and switching utilities suppliers has been made easier than ever, with consumers able to make use of price comparison sites to easily assess their options.

Sadly, as charities and consumer groups continue to point out, some of the most vulnerable members of society are often unable to make use of such technology.

The elderly, for example, may not have access to a computer or the internet at home and so cannot log on to the best deals. While many people - such as financially-stretched single parents - are reluctant to commit to monthly direct debits. Many energy companies offer monthly direct debits as a discounted way to pay as they know the money will come to them regularly. Whereas, the traditional quarterly bill may not guarantee the income.

However, at the same time, there are an equal number of Britons who are perfectly capable of reducing their gas and electricity bills but who continue to pay over the odds due to a combination of apathy and laziness.

According to new research from a leading market research company, around one-in-three UK homeowners 'can't be bothered' to make the switch, with a majority seeing it as a major inconvenience, despite the significant savings potentially on offer.

What's more, the study also found that, of those who have switched utilities suppliers over the past year, one-in-five have done so after being prompted by an energy company, suggesting that even now they may not be getting the best possible deal.

Commenting on the somewhat disheartening findings a senior retail analyst at the company, said: "While there is significant movement in the utilities market between suppliers, there is not a great deal of enthusiasm about making the switch."

He added: "For those interested in switching energy suppliers to get the best price, the internet is a key part of the process of researching the differences in price between suppliers."

If you want to know more about changing your utilities provider why not ask

AnswerBank Business and Finance.